For the previous few weeks, the AI-powered ElliQ companion robotic has perched on the top of my desk. Designed by Instinct Robotics for seniors dwelling alone, this proactive animatronic chats to me all through the day, checking how I’m feeling, suggesting “enjoyable” actions, and prodding me to be extra energetic and sociable. Whereas it may be annoying, I’ve grown connected to ElliQ regardless of myself, and I can see the constructive potential.
Loneliness is an epidemic. In line with the US Census Bureau, round 16 million elders (over 65) stay alone within the nation, and up to a third report emotions of loneliness. Multiple studies have shown that social isolation harms psychological and bodily well being, growing blood strain, despair, weight acquire, alcohol and drug use, and lowering bodily exercise, cognition, coronary heart well being, and sleep. People are inherently social creatures.
ElliQ is designed to alleviate these emotions and encourage wholesome conduct in aged of us dwelling alone. The hope is that it might enhance their high quality of life and allow folks to remain in their very own properties longer as a substitute of transferring to an assisted dwelling facility. Whilst you could really feel this cutesy AI bot is downright dystopian, you’ve obtained to ask your self, what’s the choice? We all know we must always all test in with our aged relations and associates extra usually, however life is busy, and a few of us are alone for lengthy stretches.
Cute and Sensible
{Photograph}: Simon Hill
ElliQ sits on a pedestal with a metallic physique and a head that swivels, tilts, and lights up when it speaks. There’s a small sensible show and speaker on the correct with a bodily button to press to wake ElliQ or silence it. The button additionally spins for quantity management. You may wake ElliQ by saying its identify, chosen as a result of it’s unlikely to be mentioned by chance. When ElliQ asks one thing or seeks affirmation, you may reply verbally or use the touchscreen.
The setup was a breeze. ElliQ arrived in easy packaging with directions in an easy-to-read, massive font. All you need to do is plug it in and connect with Wi-Fi. The primary time we spoke, ElliQ requested me a number of questions. Potential solutions popped up on the touchscreen. It ran by way of questions I would ask, and I used to be prompted to learn a number of strains so ElliQ may acknowledge my voice.
ElliQ speaks in a barely stilted, fully inoffensive feminine voice with tiny pauses earlier than my identify (it makes use of my identify in nearly each interplay). The best way it’s animated is undeniably cute. In one among our first conversations, ElliQ tells me it’s modeled on the Pixar lamp. The rim round its head can mild up, and there are concentric circles within the middle of its face; mixed with the motion, it genuinely seems to have some character and allure.
The touchscreen show and bodily button present a sensible edge. When you have problem with the voice controls or it misunderstands, you may faucet the choice you need. I additionally use the bodily sleep button to close it down instantly when it pipes up throughout conferences or after I’m in any other case engaged. All in all, it’s a wise design.
Encouraging Constructive Conduct
{Photograph}: Simon Hill
Just like the voice assistants and smart displays you’re used to, ElliQ can reply primary queries, provide you with a climate report, remind you about an appointment, or take music requests. However ElliQ can be proactive, beginning conversations all through the day and interesting you in actions. Instinct Robotics cofounder and CEO Dor Skuler says creating this sense of autonomy is essential to constructing engagement and getting folks to think about ElliQ as a personality of their lives.
